SAO PAULO — A Brazilian sports tribunal announced on Thursday that it has suspended a defender from the top-tier club Red Bull Bragantino for 12 matches due to sexist comments he directed at a female referee following a Sao Paulo state league match.
Defender Gustavo Marques was also penalized with a fine of 30,000 Brazilian reais ($5,700) for his remarks regarding referee Daiane Muniz after Bragantino’s 2-1 defeat to Sao Paulo in a quarterfinal of a state-level tournament on February 21.
The suspension applies to all competitions governed by the Sao Paulo state soccer federation, but it does not prevent Marques from participating in national competitions such as the Brazilian league or the Brazilian Cup.
“It was our aspiration to reach the semifinal or even the final, but she ruined our game. I believe the Sao Paulo state’s soccer federation should consider the significance of matches like this and not assign a woman to officiate,” Marques stated in a post-match interview with TNT Brazil. “It is not beneficial for us to compete against Sao Paulo, Palmeiras, Corinthians, and have a woman refereeing such an important match.”
He later expressed remorse on his social media platforms.
“I was anxious and made inappropriate comments. I spoke with Daiane and apologized to her as well. She had an assistant with her, and I also sought her forgiveness since she is a woman too. I was wrong in what I said,” the 24-year-old defender remarked.
“My wife criticized my statements, and my mother did as well. I am taking responsibility and showing humility by coming here to seek forgiveness for my words,” he added.
Neither Marques nor Bragantino has provided any comments regarding the ruling. Local reports indicated that the club has imposed a fine of 50% of his salary this month.
